This discussion reminds me of a recent conversation I was having with someone who had sat on a selection committee to pick a grand final side.  This person was himself a four time premiership player. In the argument over the last player selected, who was skillful but of questionable hardness, he said he didn't want him in the side, because on Saturday there will come a moment  - just one - where we need him to go and he won't, and that's enough. 

I've watched enough finals football to know that this philosophy is correct.  Who do you want in your forward line - Stephen Milne, who kicked hundreds of home and away goals, or Max Rooke, who kicked bugger all?  No contest.  You need 22 who will all go when it's their turn.  It's a culture we need to start building now.

2 minutes ago, needafullback said:

This discussion reminds me of a recent conversation I was having with someone who had sat on a selection committee to pick a grand final side.  This person was himself a four time premiership player. In the argument over the last player selected, who was skillful but of questionable hardness, he said he didn't want him in the side, because on Saturday there will come a moment  - just one - where we need him to go and he won't, and that's enough. 

I've watched enough finals football to know that this philosophy is correct.  Who do you want in your forward line - Stephen Milne, who kicked hundreds of home and away goals, or Max Rooke, who kicked bugger all?  No contest.  You need 22 who will all go when it's their turn.  It's a culture we need to start building now.

Stephen Milne for me

8 minutes ago, Forest Demon said:

Stephen Milne for me

In case you're not being facetious, I was alluding to the 2009 Grand Final. The stats might jog your memory somewhat, but it's what happened in the key moments that really matters.

1 hour ago, needafullback said:

For once I think Barrett is right.  Garlett definitely shirked it, and was dropped as a result.  I was surprised at the time he wasn't dragged. If anyone doubts it watch this again from 4.30: http://www.afl.com.au/video/2016-06-06/this-dee-failed-the-moment

Does anyone seriously think a player of Garlett's ability misjudged that ball? Why weren't his arms extended further? He was clearly worried about what was behind him (and let's face it, he tends to avoid heavy contact in aerial contests).

I don't expect players of Garlett's build and type to throw themselves into physical contests regularly - they are more dangerous hanging back for a loose ball.  But the incident on Saturday in the first quarter was simply a case of not going when it's your turn.  It was a critical moment and a scoring opportunity missed.  We had no hope of beating Hawthorn if any player did that.  The fact that Jeff otherwise had a bad game wouldn't see him out of the team for this week.  But the coach/selectors have done the right thing sending this message.  What would Kennedy/Michie/Grimes/ANB and others think if Garlett remained in the side?  Standing firm under the ball in that situation must be a non-negotiable at our cub, and I for one am glad that it seems now that it is. 

I actually wasn't quite sure what bit of the game people were talking about and mostly ignored the noise, but watching that and I remember the moment vividly. I also remember thinking to myself, "Gee he judged that poorly". I didn't think twice about it. Didn't seem like he shirked the contest imo.

I'm sure Garlett being dropped wasn't about that contest but his work rate which had fallen off badly over the past few weeks.

41 minutes ago, needafullback said:

I was there.  I was pretty close to it actually.  Immediately afterward I was looking for the runner.

Same here. I didn't look for the runner, I just thought "that was messy".

 

theres mention that he signed a contract and form has fallen away. Does being dropped affect his payment ?

AS I said in the Nev Jetta thread pay for performance can be used to make sure players are hungry for success  

For the record I dont think he shirked anything just terrible misjudgement in a terrible day.

4 hours ago, stuie said:

Damien Barrett in his "Sliding Doors" this week:

Melbourne
IF there was one certainty in AFL team selection ...... THEN it was Jeff Garlett's omission this week. In a Paul Roos-coached team, you can't pull out the way he did against the Hawks.

That only proves now that anyone who thought he squibbed it are wrong.

The thought that anything Damian Barrett writes would prove anything is laughable.

1 minute ago, Chook said:

The thought that anything Damian Barrett writes would prove anything is laughable.

That's the point....